Me and Ajax

First of all, I am sorry for not posting here for a loooooooooong time. I have been very busy at work, and also haven't found any inspiration lately (or too much inspiration to choose from).
Anyway, I am back. And what a topic I can write about this time. People who know me personally, might fall off their chair.
I have been to a soccer match last sunday. And not just any seats, no....in one of the SKYBOXES!
And I had a great time!

I have never been so interested in soccer. Sure, I went to Amsterdam, with friends whenever Ajax or the National team was playing. And yes, I yelled and cheered just as loud as the next man. But I never had that passion, that feeling of US and THEM. And never really understood the fanatical passion of some supporters. Like the Feyenoord supporter who had a tattoo of one of the players on his shoulder.

Untill now. I've always said to myself, that I wanted to go to see a soccer match, if only just once in my life. Just to feel the atmosphere, the bond between the supporters.
And now I had an invitation from a befriended GSA (General Sales Agent) who we have done a lot of business with, to go to the match of the year. The last match of the season, with a chance of Ajax winning the championship. The opponent wasn't really a match, they won quite easily. However, all depended on the results of other matches being played simultaniously.
Unfortunately THAT didn't happen. For a while it looked like it, but in the first few minutes of the second half the team that was suppose to loose in the other match (PSV) scored a goal. It immediately influenced the atmosphere in the stadium. We had view on the area where the (in)famous F-Side was seated, and immediately we saw fights between supporters who got fustrated because their team wasn't going to be champion. And despite the way they stick to their team (beating everyone that critise their team, etc), I do admire their passion and the (unintended (?)) self-sacrefising for their team. And not only the Ajax-supporters have this, but ALL supporters, whether it's PSV, Feyenoord or AZ.

But what struck me the most is the farewell-party of John Heitinga. You just felt the bond between the supporters among themselves, and between the supporters and John Heitinga. He has been with Ajax ever since he was 7 (so I heard) and was living and breathing Ajax.

Anyway, this was my first soccer match, but it sure might not be my last. Hans & Frank, if you read this, TNX for the invite, and the great day!

John Heitinga's Farewell